As workplaces transition into a hybrid work model, many of us are unsure how to balance life and work effectively. Here, four Gen.T honourees give their take on how to stay ahead in the new normal
The last 18 months has brought about a fundamental shift in the way we work. Many companies adopted remote working and integrated it into everyday work life once lockdowns subsided. While chaotic at first, this change reimagined the way we work by placing an emphasis on flexibility.
Now, after a year of remote working, many are rethinking the traditional definition of work. According to Microsoft’s 2021 Work Trend Index, over 70 percent of workers surveyed expressed a desire for more flexible remote work options after the pandemic. In addition, 66 percent of businesses are considering redesigning physical spaces to accommodate hybrid work environments.
Nevertheless, while the future may be hybrid, many of us still struggle to balance work and home life. Here, we speak to four Gen.T honourees to learn how they stay productive in a hybrid work environment.
Check in on each other’s well-being beyond work
Alena Murang
Musician and artist
What's your go-to method to stay productive?
I’m most productive when I have a to-do list that covers not only work but personal errands, workouts, cooking and cleaning too. Of course, having a good playlist to get you in the mood to work goes along way.
What's your ideal home office setup?
I’ve been working from home a lot more now. I set up my workspace in my living room and spend most of the time at my desk with my laptop. But sometimes I like to break things up by having my paintings around and a simple recording set-up for times when I want to record demos or song-write.
Any advice for working with family at home?
When I was in lockdown at my parents' home, I discovered that we all have different work styles and schedules. I mostly adapted to their schedule, though if I had to record or shoot a video, my parents had to remain very quiet and that was very challenging for them because they were not used to being around a camera or recording microphone that picks up every sound.
What tips do you have for working with teams remotely?
In my team, we are like family. So besides work, we share a lot about our personal life too as it is critical during lockdown when social isolation can set in. I find that it is important to check in on each other’s well-being beyond work. We are all supportive of each other and would sometimes take different days off based on what best works for each team member and their family.
Any final tip?
I found that it’s important to add some laughter and non-work or non-Covid related conversations into meetings. These things are usually missing when we communicate primarily over Zoom or emails as we are so focused on the meeting agenda, we forget about these non-work aspects we used to have when working together in the same office.
See also: The Spotify Playlist To Get Your Week Started Right, According To Our Gen.T Team